Christopher Williams’ viola and bows were stolen on 17 December in Katy, TX, but were swiftly recovered the next day from a pawn shop
On 17 December 2024, violist Christopher Williams reported the theft of his 1997 McCluskie viola, a fine French bow and a Marco Raposo bow, which were contained in a BAM Hitech case.
Williams was dining in a restaurant in Katy, TX, following a solo performance with the Katy Youth Orchestra at Paetow Junior High.
’I made the idiotic mistake of leaving my instrument in my truck,’ said Williams. He believes he was followed by the thief prior to the robbery. ‘They knew exactly what they were doing - no plates on the front, lights too bright on the back plate to make out any numbers.’
The thief broke through Williams’ car window and stole the goods from the backseat, which included his viola, two bows, his case, shoulder rest, backpack, sheet music, recording device, tuner, among other items.
After a plea overnight on social media and other news outlets, Williams announced that the thief was caught trying to sell the stolen goods at a pawn shop in Humble, TX, north of Houston.
’Pinged back stolen and he was arrested just now. I might get my viola back today!’ Williams announced on social media.
Williams is a graduate of the Tennessee Technological University and the University of Georgia, where formerly served as a teaching assistant.
Read: Ophélie Gaillard reunited with her stolen 1737 Goffriller cello
The number one source for playing and teaching books, guides, CDs, calendars and back issues of the magazine.
In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.
The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s.
The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
No comments yet